Oroxylum indicum (Dryopteris crassirhizoma) (Old Paper Flower) (Butterfly-shaped flakes, large wings, transparent membrane, yellowish-white, silky soft and light, radial pattern, broken edges, bean smell)

【Name】

Oroxylum indicum (Dryopteris crassirhizoma) (Old Paper Flower)

 【Source】

Shi Yi (Supplements to Omissions)

 【Frequency of Use】

E

 【Origin】

It is the dried and mature seed of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent., a plant of the Bignoniaceae family. Also known as Old Paper Flower, Thousand-Layer Paper.

 【Characteristics】

It is a butterfly-shaped flake, and the seeds are oval, flat and thin. The outer seed coat is elongated into wide wings on three sides, appearing as a semi-transparent film, light brownish-white, with a silky luster and radial texture. The edges are often broken. The long diameter of the seed with wings is about 5.5~8㎝, and the short diameter is 3.5~4㎝. After removing the wings, the long diameter of the seed is about 2~3㎝, and the short diameter is about 1.5~2㎝. There are 2 cotyledons, yellowish-green, flat, butterfly-shaped, brittle, and the radicle is obvious. It has no odor and a slightly bitter taste.

 【Identification】

The best are those that are dry, white in color, have large and complete wings, and are full of seeds. Those with wrinkled or broken wings are inferior. In Taiwan, some people use Old Paper Flower as a substitute for Psoralea corylifolia (Bu Gu Zhi), which is incorrect.

 【Category】

Seed Category